Marine debris is a pervasive problem facing our ocean and Great Lakes. Of all the trash that ends up in these important water bodies, plastics are the most common. This week, we’re exploring the problem of plastics in our ocean and the solutions that are making a difference. To learn more about #OceanPlastics, keep your eye on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and NOAA’s Response and Restoration blog this week.  

Globally, we are consuming more and more single-use plastic items, but many countries lack the waste infrastructure to process it, resulting in plastic debris entering our waterways. In places where there is good infrastructure, intentional littering or improper disposal may have the same results. Many people don’t think about the way they may be contributing to this waste, such as by throwing a cigarette butt (which is plastic!) on the ground  or adding their trash to the top of an overflowing garbage can. Plastics may also be introduced to the marine environment from ocean-based sources such as fishing gear that is lost or abandoned, or from trash washing over the side of a vessel.

An overflowing trash can is just one way plastic trash may end up as marine debris. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

So how does plastic trash go from sitting on a sidewalk to becoming marine debris? There are many ways that plastics may be moved throughout the environment. Weather such as rain and wind can move debris into nearby waterbodies. That overflowing trash can? Well, it’s not overflowing anymore since the wind swept those extra pieces away. Once debris enters a nearby stream or storm drain, it’s often not a long trip before it has arrived at the ocean or a Great Lake.

Trash often finds its way to the ocean or Great Lakes via stream or storm drain. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Unfortunately, once plastic debris is in the marine environment, it’s there to stay. Plastic never fully degrades, but instead breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually becoming what we call “microplastics.” Microplastics are small plastic pieces, less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from those larger plastics breaking apart, or can be manufactured at that size, such as “microbeads” that are sometimes found as exfoliants in products such as facial scrubs or toothpastes.

Plastic debris never truly goes away once it’s entered the marine environment. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Plastic debris is commonly found littered on beaches and shorelines. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Microbeads are a type of microplastic which can be found in personal care products like toothpaste. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Plastic debris can wreak havoc on the marine environment, with numerous negative impacts. It can harm marine animals by entangling them in debris like derelict nets or plastic 6-pack rings. Animals may accidentally ingest plastics, mistaking them for food. Plastic debris, especially large, heavy derelict fishing nets, can hurt sensitive and important habitats like coral reefs by physically damaging or smothering them. Plastics can also have direct impacts on us, by becoming navigational hazards or by polluting our beaches and driving tourists away from communities that rely on those coastal visitors.

When plastic debris is ingested, it not only makes the animal feel full and robs them of getting the nutrients they need, but can block up their system. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Animals may ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Plastic debris such as derelict nets can entangle marine animals. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Debris can damage or smother sensitive habitats. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Plastic debris such as derelict ropes and nets can become navigation hazards, posing a danger to vessels and their crew. (Photo Credit: NOAA)

Debris-littered beaches can decrease tourism in communities dependent upon its revenue. (Photo Credit: Heal the Bay)

Unfortunately, people are the sole cause of the plastic debris that enters our ocean. But luckily, that gives us the power to solve this problem! People are the cause, but we’re the solution, too. Removing debris through efforts like community cleanups can help to address this issue. However, the ultimate solution is prevention. Educating people about the problem and encouraging them to join in the effort is the best way to stop more plastics from ending up in our ocean. By addressing the way we contribute to the problem and remembering to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can all make a difference in reducing the impacts of plastic debris.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has reached thousands of students to prevent marine debris through education and outreach. (Photo Credit: Hawaii Wildlife Fund)

Community cleanups to remove debris are one useful way of addressing the problem. (Photo Credit: Sitka Sound Science Center)

We can all be part of the fight against marine debris! (Photo Credit: SOLVE)

Learn more about plastic debris! Watch this Trash Talk video about why plastic is so common in our ocean and waterways and stay tuned to #OceanPlastics on social media this week. We’re all in this together!

Author: NOAA Marine Debris Program

The NOAA Marine Debris Program envisions the global ocean and its coasts, users, and inhabitants free from the impacts of marine debris. Our mission is to investigate and solve the problems that stem from marine debris, in order to protect and conserve our nation's marine environment, natural resources, industries, economy, and people.